Strawberry season is officially upon us again. Two years ago I planted 40 strawberry plants in my perennial garden and they multiplied and multiplied. I probably have 1000 of them now. They are in the whole middle of my berry garden as well as lining the edges of most of my flower beds. I figured … Continue reading Strawberries for Every Meal
Author: phillipsfarmbatavia
Mr. McGregor’s Garden
I felt a bit like Mr. McGregor fighting off Peter Rabbit this last week. I had re-planted all my tomatoes after that late frost killed the first batch. Luckily I had saved half my starts inside - just in case - since I was planting so early. I had my beautiful babies all tucked in … Continue reading Mr. McGregor’s Garden
Peonies Make Me Happy
“Peonies” by Mary Oliver This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting readyto break my heartas the sun rises,as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers and they open —pools of lace,white and pink —and all day the black ants climb over them, boring their deep and mysterious holesinto the curls,craving … Continue reading Peonies Make Me Happy
They Grow Up So Fast
Most of the sweet little ducklings we’ve received in the last month are now hard to tell apart from the adults. They’re close to fully feathered and have been spending all day down at the pond. They’ve mastered getting down to the pond and back up to the coop in the evening. It’s just how … Continue reading They Grow Up So Fast
Playing Duck Mamma
I finally had to call it quits with accepting ducklings. I was getting 2-4 calls or emails/day with people looking for a permanent home for their “quarantine pets.” 3 here, 5 there...it adds up! I’ve lost track of how many we have now and those babies are hard to count. I split them into smaller … Continue reading Playing Duck Mamma
Tomato trellis
I always have to try something new in my garden. This year it’s a new tomato trellis and some potato towers. I made the potato towers in March by creating a cylinder out of welded wire fencing, lining it with straw and filling it with layers of dirt/compost and potatoes. You can see them in … Continue reading Tomato trellis
Wildflowers
Since the start of advent, I’ve been walking every evening with my neighbor Rita. I usually walked anyways with the dogs, but she started to join me as part of her Lenten promises to get out everyday. It has been a real joy to walk and visit with her and to have that time out … Continue reading Wildflowers
Nature Journaling with Phenology Wheels
Almost a year ago now, I was perusing Instagram when I came upon a photograph of a phenology wheel. It was so beautiful and drew me in instantly. I knew this was something I had to try! So what is a phenology wheel?Here's my first ever wheel, June 2019. The basic idea is that you … Continue reading Nature Journaling with Phenology Wheels
Berry Garden in Late Spring
This spot between our garage and workshop was the original veggie garden when we moved in. Two years ago I switched it over to a perennial garden, with mostly berries and asparagus and a spot for overwintering garlic. It has really greened you in the last few weeks! Let me tell you about what’s growing. … Continue reading Berry Garden in Late Spring
The Herb Garden Comes Back to Life
I always say that the best part of our home is the fact that Frank and Rita live across the street. It has been a blessing in so many ways to move into their old home here on 222. Before they built their new house across the street, they lived and raised a family for … Continue reading The Herb Garden Comes Back to Life
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